Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has signed a significant £50 million (€59 million) contract in partnership with FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail. The agreement covers the refresh and maintenance of five, six-car Class 222 trains, which will be deployed for Lumo’s upcoming open-access passenger services between Stirling and London.
The contract is structured into two key components. The first is a Train Services Agreement (TSA) with FirstGroup, valued at approximately £40 million (€47.5 million). This five-year agreement will see Alstom maintain, overhaul, service, and clean the five trains at its Central Rivers facility in Burton upon Trent.
The second component is a fleet modernisation programme with Eversholt Rail, worth around £10 million (almost €12 million), to be carried out at Alstom’s Widnes site. This refresh will include the installation of new, ergonomically designed seating, upgraded passenger Wi-Fi for enhanced onboard connectivity, and a full exterior repaint to align with Lumo’s distinctive branding.
The modernisation also incorporates new CCTV systems and Intelligent Engine Start-Stop (IESS) technology. This innovative feature automatically shuts down and restarts the train’s engine when stationary, significantly improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Peter Broadley, Commercial Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, stated: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering high-performance, customer-focused rail services across the UK. By combining Alstom’s deep technical expertise with the operational excellence of FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail, we’re ensuring that fare-paying passengers benefit from a modern, reliable and comfortable travel experience between Stirling and London. The investment in both refurbishment and long-term support reflects our shared ambition to drive innovation and sustainability in rail transport.”
Alstom’s Central Rivers depot in Burton upon Trent is a purpose-built train maintenance facility, boasting a state-of-the-art double-head lathe, nine maintenance roads, and two lifting roads. The Staffordshire site also offers heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) repair and gassing capabilities, an engine repair bay, an automated vehicle inspection system (AVIS), fuelling, controlled emission toilet (CET) facilities, and an automatic intelligent train wash. Central Rivers can stable up to 37 trains, with overnight servicing for up to 26 trains.
Meanwhile, the Alstom Transport Technology Centre in Widnes stands as the UK’s largest and most sophisticated centre for train modernisation. Opened in 2017, its vast size and embrace of digital principles make the Cheshire facility ideal for work on intercity trains. The contract with FirstGroup and Eversholt is expected to support 50 roles across both sites, alongside many more through Alstom’s extensive UK supply chain.
Built by Alstom as part of the Voyager family and previously operated by East Midlands Railway as Meridian trains, the five units are scheduled to re-enter service with Lumo next year. They will connect passengers between central and southern Scotland and London Euston.
Graham Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer at FirstGroup, said: “We are pleased to work with Eversholt Rail and Alstom on the rolling stock element of our new service between London and Stirling. This new route is another important step towards rolling out Lumo as a nationwide operator and growing our open access capacity, a key priority for FirstGroup. Our investment and capabilities in open access rail have delivered reliable, value for money services, grown rail demand and helped to spur economic growth and connect communities. We look forward to doing the same on our new services.”
The new Lumo services will call at stations including Stirling, Larbert, Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld), Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Motherwell, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, Crewe, Nuneaton, Milton Keynes, and London Euston. Notably, Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert will gain their first direct services to London.
Open-access rail operators operate solely with private investment, assuming full commercial risk and opportunity. The benefits of this successful model, recognised by the government and the independent regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), include connecting underserved places, fostering economic growth, and providing additional capacity on core routes, which can encourage a shift away from carbon-intensive travel.
Paul Sutherland, Client Services Director at Eversholt Rail, commented: “Eversholt Rail are pleased to be part of this tri-partite collaborative project with FirstGroup and Alstom and we are looking forward to seeing what potential opportunities this new open access service can bring. Alstom’s on-going involvement with the Class 222 fleet as the original equipment manufacturer will cement it’s pedigree as a high-quality intercity train. The upgraded features will enhance the passenger experience for the journey between London and Stirling.”
Alstom’s FlexCare™ portfolio of solutions offers tailored and flexible services for rail assets throughout their lifecycle, covering train operations, maintenance, parts supply, overhauls, and modernisation. Alstom supports asset owners in achieving the highest fleet performance, maintaining over 35,500 vehicles worldwide as a trusted partner for servicing both Alstom and non-Alstom rail assets.
Alstom™ and FlexCare Perform™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.
Photo credit: Lumo
